Understanding Chinese Astrology

chinese zodiac & the 5 elements

Obviously, Westerners are not always enchanted to learn what their animal is. Frankly, who wants to be a pig? What many don't realize is that it is the character traits associated with each animal, rather than the animals themselves, that are important.

In contrast to Western astrology, the Chinese zodiac doesn't focus on predicting the future. Instead, it sees itself primarily as an interpretive art and practical philosophy. Nonetheless, the year of birth is said to help guide the next 60-year cycle of a person's life, allowing for a degree of clairvoyance.

Given that there are only 12 animal signs to begin with, how accurate a science can Chinese astrology be? What makes people unique, even though they may share the same animal as zodiac sign, is the different combinations of elements. Remember the five elements (metal (gold), water, wood, fire, and earth) that are determined at birth by the alignment of the planets?

combine the two

In addition to an animal sign, each person is assigned one of those elements. Thus, you might be a fire dog, water dragon, gold pig, or any other combination. Traditionalists believe in certain matches; some signs are believed to be more compatible than others.

For example, water will support wood, but will be at odds with fire. In ancient China, couples who wanted to be married had to make sure that their elements were well-matched. In cases were they did not, couples were often split up.

Another aspect to consider is the Yin Yang. Even years are said to be Yang and odd years Yin, so each zodiac animal must also contend with the fact that they hold characteristics of these two opposing elements of the universe.

As is true with many things in Chinese culture, the relationships between the zodiac animals, the elements and the Yin Yang are both controlling and conducive. There are never any power struggles; it's a balancing act where everything is codependent. Every sign serves its purpose in the larger scheme of things.